Traditional rorbu houses, Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway

© Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld/Getty Image

All is calm. Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway

Housed in the Arctic Circle, Norway's Lofoten Islands are a crossroads of traditional life and modern industry. One of two towns in Lofoten, Svolvaer boasts a long history as a fishing village. Before it became a town of its own, it was part of the town of Vågan, where people have lived for over 1,000 years. Beyond fishing, it also serves as a sanctuary for travelers looking for a peaceful getaway, with as many as 200,000 visitors in a single year. The traditional rorbu houses, built on poles over water, add a distinctive layer of charm to the town. These cabins were once made for traveling fishermen and have now been refurbished to meet contemporary tastes.